Dirt

Lauren digging on her family’s farm in western North Carolina. Photo credit: Lucy Plato Clark

Lauren digging on her family’s farm in western North Carolina. Photo credit: Lucy Plato Clark

Dirt will explore this overlooked universe that’s right under our feet. Readers will become “dirt alert,” learning things like how and why it takes 500 years to build one inch of topsoil, how mushrooms communicate underground, and why earthworms (and their poop) are so great. They will be invited to make their own bricks, dye a one-of-a-kind “dirt shirt,” and bake their very own chocolate "dirt dessert," among other soil-based activities. Readers will also learn why, what, and how to compost at home, as well as ways to encourage their families, schools, and neighbors to do the same. Dirt aims to excite young readers to get their hands dirty while also empowering them to take care of their planet.

Dirt will be published by Workman Publishing Company in spring 2024.